Abstract
M.A. (Geography and Environmental Management)
Water supply and sanitation in the rural areas have for decades
been a problem that needs to be discussed. This study aims at
investigating the supply of water and sanitation in the rural
areas of South Africa in the Northern Province with special
reference to Thokgoaneng as a case study. Much damage was made
by Apartheid government when the rural areas were left being
marginalised without the necessary resources such as water and
electricity. Attention will then be given to water supply and
sanitation in the rural areas of South Africa during the new
democratic government as one of its objectives is to supply
people with clean water, safe water supply of 20-30 litres per
capita per day within 200 metres and adequate/safe sanitation.
The investigation has shown that although the government is
trying hard to meet its objectives, much still need to be done
to ensure that the services provided should be well managed by
the communities. This information will assist in providing
insight of how the people in the rural areas live without the
basic needs i.e. water. It will also assist the rural people to
take care of their natural resources because if not used
sustainably for future considerations they will be depleted.